Typhoon deaths rise to 151 as China reports more

BEIJING (AP) — The death toll from the strongest typhoon to hit China’s south in decades was raised to 46 on Tuesday, increasing the overall toll to 151 people dead in three countries just before a second storm approaches land.

The Civil Affairs Ministry said 25 other people were still missing after Typhoon Rammasun made landfall Friday. The storm brought hail and heavy rains and destroyed tens of thousands of homes, damaged roads and ports and cut electricity and water supplies in southern Chinese cities.

It was the strongest typhoon to hit southern China in 41 years, with wind speeds reaching 216 kilometers per hour (130 mph), according to the China Meteorological Administration. It also caused 94 deaths in the Philippines earlier last week and at least 11 in Vietnam over the weekend.

Another typhoon, Matmo, packing sustained winds of 139 kph (85 mph) was approaching Taiwan and forecast to hit its east-central coast Wednesday morning. Torrential rains, exceeding 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) over 24 hours, were forecast for virtually the entire island. Some areas of Taiwan are mountainous and prone to mudslides.

Matmo is forecast to cross the island before hitting the Chinese mainland in the afternoon or evening, far east of Rammasun’s path.

The official Xinhua News Agency said heavy rains were expected in Shanghai and other areas and that authorities were prepared to respond to flooding.

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